Jonathan Koehn

I serve as the Director of the city's Climate Initiatives Department where I work along-side an unbelievably talented team responsible for implementing the city’s sustainability agenda, specifically in relation to climate action, energy, resilience and circular economy, but more broadly across the complete spectrum of the city’s sustainability goals. I started with the City as the Environmental Manager for the city in 2006, with over 10 years experience working with federal, state, regional and local governments and their constituencies domestically and internationally to develop strategic and tactical solutions to energy, economic and climate challenges. I also teach sustainability and resilience in the Masters of the Environment program at CU-Boulder.

I came to Boulder with a diverse background with roles such as creating and directing an environmental non-profit organization, managing outdoor programs, serving as a national park ranger and a dolphin trainer (I know...how random is that?). Most recently, I worked for the city of Flagstaff, Arizona where I served as the Conservation Manager.

My advice to students...

As a student at CU Boulder, realize that your age is also a blessing. You have time to do whatever you choose to do if you’re willing to work really hard. You have time to make mistakes and learn from them (and then make them again because some mistakes are fun). You are heading toward being responsible for yourself in a world with seven billion others who are fighting for more: more money, more education, more love, more land, more friends, or simply more meaning. Just because I am older does not necessarily make me wiser. Though I do treat each day as an opportunity to learn something. I’d love to share some of those learnings to help you in your quest for more.